Graduate School

Brown Executive Scholars Training

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Brown Executive Scholars Training

The Brown Executive Scholars Training (BEST) Program introduces students to academic and higher education leadership skills.

Designed for doctoral and master's students, the program brings together eight to 10 graduate students, who are chosen to participate in this 12-week  program. The BEST program was established in 2010 and is sponsored by the Graduate School. 

Purpose

To help prepare graduate students for future leadership roles in higher education through a semester-long program of mentorship, education and training.

Objectives

  1. Educate graduate students about university leadership and the roles and responsibilities of senior academic leaders and administrators.
  2. Expose graduate students to administrators through one-on-one mentoring relationships.
  3. Enhance the leadership skills of graduate students through engaged discussion and professional development activities.

Key Activities

  1. Attend weekly seminars and roundtables 
  2. Meet at least once each month with assigned administrative sponsors
  3. Participate in weekly professional development activities
  4. Complete a mini-practicum project (optional)

Attendance

Scholars will be allowed two excused absences throughout the duration of the program. Scholars with excessive absences may be dismissed from the program and will not receive certificates of completion. The program will run from late January to late April. 

Roundtables and Professional Development

Each week, BEST Scholars are joined by senior University leaders for a presentation and discussion, followed by a group reflection, conversation, and professional development activities. 

Administrative Sponsors

Scholars will be paired with administrators from key areas of the university to learn about their specific role, the function of their area, and to receive advice and support related to their own career pursuits. Scholars are expected to meet with administrative sponsors for no less than one hour at least once each month and may engage in an optional mini-practicum project.

Selection

Senior administrative staff from across the University will help select a diverse and cross-disciplinary cohort of promising scholars. 

Evaluation

Scholars will complete an overall program survey. 

Eligibility

Applicants must be a doctoral or master's student.

Application Requirements:

Student Application 

Complete through UFunds, See under “Graduate School Distinctive Opportunities.”

Components to Prepare

  1. CV or resume
  2. Personal statement of 500 words or less that outlines the applicant’s educational and professional career aspirations and states how participation in the BEST Program will assist in meeting those goals
  3. Statement that ranks the top three areas of interest from the following: Academic Affairs, Diversity, Education and Training, Faculty Affairs, Governance, Student Support

Components to Request

Through UFunds: 

  1. Message of support from your DGS (affirming student standing)
  2. Message of recommendation from a faculty advisor, thesis/dissertation committee member, or department chair who can affirm why participation in the program will be valuable for you. (If your DGS can affirm student standing and recommend you to the program, this may be sent as one combined message.)

For any questions, please contact Graduate_Dean@brown.edu.

Application Deadline

December 2, 2024

Meet Previous BEST Scholars

Hear from program alums about their experiences!

Mai Hunt, PhD Student

Mai Hunt is a fourth year PhD student. She is from Boston, Massachusetts and earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard University in Romance Languages and Literatures.

Ben Wilks, PhD Candidate

My interest in the BEST program stemmed from wanting to better understand the behind the scenes operations of higher education. I was particularly interested in the University’s focus on the development of the Graduate School, which has really taken off in the last 5-10 years.

Emily Drennan, PhD Candidate

"The BEST program is a great professional development opportunity, even for people who will not go onto work in higher education administration. Even beyond universities, the BEST program teaches you skills that are applicable to a wide variety of careers and fields."